Chamberlain: Crime statistics "deeply troubling"

Scottish Liberal Democrat Wendy Chamberlain MP has today warned that new crime statistics showing a 5% increase in sexual crimes are "paint a deeply troubling picture" about violence against women and girls in Scotland.

Figures from Police Scotland show that in the year ending June 2025:

• 15,129 sexual crimes were recorded, a 5% increase on the previous year (14,417) and a 9% increase on the year ending June 2021 (13,939).
• The police recorded 3,004 instances of rape or attempted ra rape, an increase of 15% compared to the previous year.
• Recorded crimes of indecent photos of children increased by 27% from 707 to 898.
• Domestic abuse increased by 26% compared to the previous year, from 2,169 to 2,742 crimes.

Former police officer Wendy Chamberlain MP said:

"These latest crime statistics paint a deeply troubling picture, especially when it comes to violence against women and girls. While some of the reported increase may be down to welcome efforts to increase reporting, it is also clear that there is a very real trend here that is pointing firmly in the wrong direction.

"The Scottish Government must make tackling sexual crime a key priority and accelerate work on violence against women and girls that can support victims and prevent crime. Especially after dropping the misogyny law proposed by Baroness Kennedy's working group, the Scottish Government needs to show society that it is willing to prioritise these issues.

"Police officers work tirelessly to keep people safe, but ministers must ensure that officers have the tools, time and expertise to ensure these crimes are properly pursued."